AMA medical education grant initiative garners huge response

More than 80% of accredited U.S. medical schools have submitted initial proposals for consideration in the American Medical Association’s initiative that will select eight to 10 winners to share $10 million in grants over five years. Out of 141 medical schools, 115 entered proposals by the Feb. 15 deadline. The response to the AMA’s search for innovations in medical education has been “tremendous,” said James L. Madara, MD, the Association’s executive vice president and CEO.

“It’s a clear sign that medical schools are eager and ready to implement the transformative changes needed to respond to the evolving medical environment and the future needs of patients,” he said. Such changes may include new ways of teaching and assessing core competencies, individualized learning plans, and a stronger focus on patient safety and quality improvement.

By mid-March, the AMA and a panel of experts in medical education will ask between 20 and 30 schools to submit more detailed proposals by May 15. The winners will be selected by July 1, and the grant program will start Sept. 1. More information is available on the AMA’s website (link).